If you’re still clinging to the classic ASP.NET Framework like it’s an old Windows XP install you refuse to format, you might be wondering: Is the new ASP.NET Core 2.1 worth it?
Or is Microsoft just throwing another shiny toy at developers to keep us busy?
Let’s break it down.
1. What’s the Big Deal About ASP.NET Core 2.1?
ASP.NET Core 2.1 is like ASP.NET Framework’s cooler, faster, and much more lightweight younger sibling.
It’s cross-platform (finally!), meaning you can run your web apps on Linux, Mac, and of course, Windows.
No more Microsoft-only shackles!
Major Features in ASP.NET Core 2.1:
- Performance Boost – It’s fast.
Like, really fast.
Microsoft even brags about it being the fastest web framework on the planet (benchmarks pending, of course).
- Cross-platform – Develop on Windows, run on Linux.
No more “It works on my machine!” excuses.
- Razor Pages – A simpler way to build web UIs.
Think of it like WebForms, but not horrible.
- Built-in Dependency Injection – No need to wire up Autofac or some other DI container.
It’s all included.
- GDPR Support – Because we all love extra compliance requirements.
- HTTPS by Default – No more lazy devs shipping insecure HTTP apps.
2. What’s Still Good About ASP.NET Framework?
So, should we all just throw ASP.NET Framework into a burning trash can and move on?
Not so fast!
ASP.NET Framework is still relevant for:
- Enterprise Legacy Apps – Got a massive monolithic app running on .NET Framework?
Good luck rewriting it in Core overnight.
- Full .NET Framework Features – Some things, like full WCF support and Windows-specific APIs, are still better in the classic framework.
- Web Forms (lol, just kidding) – If you’re still using Web Forms in 2018, I hope you enjoy suffering.
- Mature Ecosystem – More third-party libraries and tools are still available for .NET Framework.
3. Migration: Should You Make the Leap?
If you’re starting a new project, ASP.NET Core 2.1 is a no-brainer.
It’s fast, modern, and built for the future.
If you’re maintaining an old-school ASP.NET Framework app, though, migrating to Core might not be worth it unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or your boss insists on it).
It’s not always a smooth transition.
4. The Verdict: Is ASP.NET Framework Dead?
Not quite.
Microsoft is still supporting ASP.NET Framework, but ASP.NET Core is clearly the future.
If you’re just getting started with web development, dive into Core 2.1 now, and don’t look back.
But if you’re stuck maintaining a decade-old ASP.NET Framework app, well… maybe it’s time to start updating that resume. 😜
Key Ideas
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| ASP.NET Core 2.1 | Faster, cross-platform, built-in DI, Razor Pages, HTTPS by default, GDPR support |
| ASP.NET Framework | Still good for legacy enterprise apps and full .NET Framework support |
| Performance | Core 2.1 is much faster than ASP.NET Framework |
| Migration | Worth it for new projects, but tricky for large legacy apps |
| Verdict | ASP.NET Core is the future, but ASP.NET Framework still has its place for now |
References
- Microsoft ASP.NET Core Documentation
- ASP.NET Framework Overview
- ASP.NET Core vs.ASP.NET Framework (Official)
- Benchmarks for ASP.NET Core Performance